JEWS IN ECUADOR
Photographs
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Please submit photographs for inclusion in this section to Ralph Grunewald at [email protected].

The three musketeers sitting on my bed: Niko Sifnaghel, Peter Albers & Freddy Grunewald. My second(?) birthday party -- ca. 1953, Guayaquil

From left (sitting on bench in back) Gerda Sifnaghel (nee Gumpel); Katja Sifnaghel; Peter Albers (in front of Katja); ???; Fred Grunewald; Lynn Gumpel (in carriage); Susie Albers; Niko Sifnaghel

Photo taken at Bar Mitzvah of ??? Kaufmann: Back rom (L - R): Ilse Grunewald, Heinz Grunewald, ???, ???. ???, ???, Alex Alexander, ???; Second row (L - R): ???. Gustav Gumpel, ???, ??? ??? Miriam Gumpel, dith Koppel; Front row (L - R): Elisabeth Lieschen) Gumpel and Magda (Moschi) Koppel

Playas -- My first girlfriend. If I remember well from mother's stories, she was the daughter of the Swedish consul in Guayaquil.

Playas -- Before 1950. From my grandmother's collection. Recognized: Inge and Arthuro Fischler, maybe also Grandmother and her husband at that time, Bruno Moritz.

Our first apartment in Guayaquil. When I was born, we lived on Avenida Olmedo y Pedro Carbo. Our apartment was on the first floor, I assume the first door to the left but I might be wrong. We moved out 1956; I was less than 5 years old.

I attach a recent photo we took with the family last Friday, July 9, 2010, in Israel. From left to right: Heinz Mosse, Ofer Friedberg, Heinz Mosse's son-in-lawLila Mosse (sitting in the back), Heinz Mosse's wife; Michael Alexander, my brother; Sachar Alexander, my brother's younger son; Vivian Alexander, my brother's wife; Jonathan Alexander, my brother's older son; myself. Missing is Margalit Friedberg, Heinz and Lilas' daughter, who took the photo.

Note from Ralph Grunewald: This is the Maternidad Enrique C. Sotomayor, where many, if not most, Jews of Guayquil were born from 1940 - 1960. For many, the delivering doctor was Dr. Jose Serrano. Here are comments from JOES: (1) (Katja Lindenberg (nee Sifnaghel): My brother Niko was born there, but I was born in Quito. I remember that because I got to visit before everyone came home. Dr. Serrano had the following characterization of Niko: "Largo pero flaco" 🙂 Those were the days, eh Niko? Also, in honor of the holiday of Niko's birth the hospital staff wanted him to be called Manuel (I forget what exactly is the association between Manuel and Christmas).

Attached are a few photos from "Mrs. Lenky's Kindergarten." If I'm not too much mistaken, the kindergarten teacher's real name was Lempke. However, we kids couldn't pronounce this name, so she was Mrs. "Lenky." Seems to me that this is the last time I really danced.

Attached are a few photos from "Mrs. Lenky's Kindergarten." If I'm not too much mistaken, the kindergarten teacher's real name was Lempke. However, we kids couldn't pronounce this name, so she was Mrs. "Lenky." Here I am being "graduated" by Mrs. Lemke.

Gabi Alexander's first bithday party, July 1952, Guayaquil -- I'm sitting on the chair, in the middle Niko Sifnaghel, on his right Freddy Grunewald, in between Dina Grunauer

Gabi Alexander's first bithday party, July 1952, Guayaquil -- I'm sitting on the chair, in the middle Niko Sifnaghel, on his right Freddy Grunewald, in between Dina Grunauer

The three musketeers sitting on my bed: Niko Sifnaghel, Peter Albers & Freddy Grunewald. My second(?) birthday party -- ca. 1953, Guayaquil

The three musketeers sitting on my bed: Niko Sifnaghel, Peter Albers & Freddy Grunewald. My second(?) birthday party -- ca. 1953, Guayaquil

From left: NIko Sifnaghel, Peter Albers, and Gabi Alexandrer -- My 4th birthday party -- July 1955, GuayaquilNiko, Peter, myself

From left: NIko Sifnaghel, Peter Albers, and Gabi Alexandrer -- My 4th birthday party -- July 1955, GuayaquilNiko, Peter, myself

Gabriel Alexander being washed in the bathtub by my mother, Miriam, while Fred Grunewald is watching. My father, Alex, took the photo -- 1952, Guayaquil

Gabriel Alexander being washed in the bathtub by my mother, Miriam, while Fred Grunewald is watching. My father, Alex, took the photo -- 1952, Guayaquil

Israeli flag waving on the front of the Club Centro Israelita, Guayaquil, 9 de Octubre 106 (undated) -- photo taken by Miriam Alexander.
![In 1952, Bruno Moritz published this book in Ecuador with great success: Arturo Eichler's book, "Nieve y Selva en Ecuador." ["Snow and Rain in Ecuador"] The book, in album format, was printed in France, has 132 text pages and includes 191 black and white photos, as well as a map of Ecuador. The cover was designed by the noted Ecuadorian artist, Osvaldo Guayasamin](https://jewsofecuador.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2024/10/eichler01/310643733.jpg)
In 1952, Bruno Moritz published this book in Ecuador with great success: Arturo Eichler's book, "Nieve y Selva en Ecuador." ["Snow and Rain in Ecuador"] The book, in album format, was printed in France, has 132 text pages and includes 191 black and white photos, as well as a map of Ecuador. The cover was designed by the noted Ecuadorian artist, Osvaldo Guayasamin

Club Israelita de Guayaquil, ca. 1964. De izquierda a derecha: Fito Gumpel, Miguel Feldman, Niko Sifnaghel, Peter Albers, un companero de Peter, Roberto Fischler, Roberto Goldbaum, Saul Suster, y Nikki Landes (atras). El pequeño parado delante de Pedro Albers es Danny Czarninski.

Marriage of schaliach Moshe Rubin to his wife, Rama @ the Centro Israelita Club -- July 12, 1959, Guayaquil

Going-away party for Heinz & Ilse Grunewald (nee Koppel) -- Centro Israelita -- November 28, 1961, Guayaquil

Club Israelita de Guayaquil, ca. 1964. De izquierda a derecha: Fito Gumpel, Miguel Feldman, Niko Sifnaghel, Peter Albers, un companero de Peter, Roberto Fischler, Roberto Goldbaum, Saul Suster, y Nikki Landes (atras). El pequeño parado delante de Pedro Albers es Danny Czarninski.

Attached are a few photos from "Mrs. Lenky's Kindergarten." If I'm not too much mistaken, the kindergarten teacher's real name was Lempke. However, we kids couldn't pronounce this name, so she was Mrs. "Lenky." This is a photo of Mrs. Lenky's children production, Christmas 1956. I'm standing with black gloves and a candle in my hand staring on Santa Claus.

Attached are a few photos from "Mrs. Lenky's Kindergarten." If I'm not too much mistaken, the kindergarten teacher's real name was Lempke. However, we kids couldn't pronounce this name, so she was Mrs. "Lenky." In this photo, in the middle of the third row, from left to right: Gerda Signaghel (nee Gumpel), Lieschen Gumpel (nee Partos), Dita (Gumpel (nee Gimsburg). Erwin Gumpel. Behind them are Edith Koppel (nee Wellisch) and Gert Koppel. Same row, much more to the right, ismy mother (very much pregnant with my brother, Michael), who was born two weeks after the event) and my grandmother.
![Attached are a few photos from "Mrs. Lenky's Kindergarten." If I'm not too much mistaken, the kindergarten teacher's real name was Lempke. However, we kids couldn't pronounce this name, so she was Mrs. "Lenky." This is the graduation ceremony from Mrs. Lenky's kindergarten class, in January 1957. In the front, bowing, is Niko Sifnagjel. In the middle in the back, am I. [In far back, at the left, is Lieschen Gumpel (nee Partos) -- RG]](https://jewsofecuador.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2024/10/lenky041/3471640192.jpg)
Attached are a few photos from "Mrs. Lenky's Kindergarten." If I'm not too much mistaken, the kindergarten teacher's real name was Lempke. However, we kids couldn't pronounce this name, so she was Mrs. "Lenky." This is the graduation ceremony from Mrs. Lenky's kindergarten class, in January 1957. In the front, bowing, is Niko Sifnagjel. In the middle in the back, am I. [In far back, at the left, is Lieschen Gumpel (nee Partos) -- RG]

Attached are a few photos from "Mrs. Lenky's Kindergarten." If I'm not too much mistaken, the kindergarten teacher's real name was Lempke. However, we kids couldn't pronounce this name, so she was Mrs. "Lenky." I am at the far left, in the the first row.

Attached are a few photos from "Mrs. Lenky's Kindergarten." If I'm not too much mistaken, the kindergarten teacher's real name was Lempke. However, we kids couldn't pronounce this name, so she was Mrs. "Lenky." Here I am being "graduated" by Mrs. Lemke.

Attached are a few photos from "Mrs. Lenky's Kindergarten." If I'm not too much mistaken, the kindergarten teacher's real name was Lempke. However, we kids couldn't pronounce this name, so she was Mrs. "Lenky." Seems to me that this is the last time I really danced.

Attached are a few photos from "Mrs. Lenky's Kindergarten." If I'm not too much mistaken, the kindergarten teacher's real name was Lempke. However, we kids couldn't pronounce this name, so she was Mrs. "Lenky." Second row, first from the left, is Niko Signaghel. Same row, second from the right, is me.

My grandfather, Elkuno Rosenheck, at the dedication in Quito of a monument to the victims of the Holocaust. Don't know who the girl is. My grandfather and his wife, Miriam, also ran the first Kosher restaurant in Quito.
![Playas, probably 1947 or 1948. John "Puli" Fried in back, center. On the left (my right,) Miriam Grunauer; on the right (my left) Rosita Klein; Dinah Grunauer is right in front of me; below Rosita is (I think) Ruthie whose-last-name escapes me and whose father may have owned a hotel in Playas. [Subsequently, Cati Holand, of Hadera, Israel, identified two of the girls in the front rom: Renate Herz and Ruthie Susman.]](https://jewsofecuador.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2024/10/John20Fried_320120of2011/751727802.jpg)
Playas, probably 1947 or 1948. John "Puli" Fried in back, center. On the left (my right,) Miriam Grunauer; on the right (my left) Rosita Klein; Dinah Grunauer is right in front of me; below Rosita is (I think) Ruthie whose-last-name escapes me and whose father may have owned a hotel in Playas. [Subsequently, Cati Holand, of Hadera, Israel, identified two of the girls in the front rom: Renate Herz and Ruthie Susman.]

Back row, left to right: Ralph Grunewald, Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos), John (Aki) oppel (hidden), Ilse Grunewald (nee Koppel), Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos), Dita Gumpel (nee Ginsberg) (hidden), Gerda Sifnaghel, (nee Gumpel), Gustav (Guschi) Gumpel. Front row, left to right: Peggy Grunewald, Fred Grunewald, Niko Sifnaghel, Heinz Grunewald -- undated, San Diego, CA

School award ceremony at Escuela Americana -- ca. 1957, Guayaquil. Top Row(left to right): ?, Alan, Peter Albers, Fred Grunewald, Alfredo Hincapie, ??. ?? Bottom (left to right): Jeanny Schneidewind, ??, Nicky Landers, ??, Christina ?

Marriage of schaliach Moshe Rubin to his wife, Rama @ the Centro Israelita Club -- July 12, 1959, Guayaquil

Cousins (from left - right): Fred Grunewald, Peggy Grunewald. Tom Koppel, Ralph Grunewald, Jeanny Koppel -- September 1959, Guayaquil

Cousins (top from L - R): Peggy Grunewald & Fred Grunewald (bottom from L - R): Ralph Grunewald, Jeanny Koppel & Tom Koppel -- September 1959, Guayaquil

Grunewald Family in Mexico City on a stop to San Diego from our emigration from Ecuador-- December 1961, Mexico City

Ralph Grunewald -- First day of kindergarten at Darnall Elementary School -- Sept. 1962, San Diego, CA

Fred Grunewald (on right) @ Escuela Americano. Frm left: Pedro Vaca; Olivia ?, Fred Grunewald -- 1961, Guayaquil

Photo at Left (left to right): Niko Sifnaghel, Fred Grunewald, Peter Albers, Ralph Yanowitzer; boy in mask is probably Miguel Feldman; Photo at right: same group.

From left: Margot Braasch (nee Partos), Gustav Gumpel, Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos), Hans-Heinz Braacsh, Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos) and John Koppel -- 1964, Guayaquil

Page from John and Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos) album (with Koppel and Grunewald family members) -- 1958, Guayaquil

Cousins (from left): Fred Grunewald, Tom Koppel, Peggy Grunewald, Jeanny Koppel, Ralph Grunewald -- ca. 1956, Guayaquil

Ilse Grunewald (nee Koppel) holding son, Ralph, and Heinz Grunewald, with daughter, Peggy -- 1956, Guayaquil

From left: Edith Koppel (nee Wellisch), Ilse Grunewald (nee Koppel), Gert Koppel (back to camera), Gerda Sifnaghel (nee Gumpel), and Gustav ("Gushi") Gumpel

Ilse Grunewald (nee Koppel) and Heinz Grunewald perform in a skit at Centro Israelita -- undated, Guayaquil

Cousins reunion in Colina del Sol Park (San Diego, CA): (L - R) Fred Grunewald, Tom Koppel, Peggy Grunewald, Ralph Grunewald, Jeanny Koppel, and Ilse Grunewald -- 1961, San Diego, CA

Edith Koppel (nee Wellisch) with daughter, JeannyKoppel and Ilse Grunewald (nee Koppel) with son, Ralph Grunewald -- 1956, Guayaquil

From left: Manea Sifnaghel, Magda ("Moschi") Koppel (nee Partos), John ("Aki") Koppel, Katja Sifnaghel, Elisabeth ("Lieschen") Gumpel (nee Partos), Gerda Sifnaghel (nee Gumpel), Gustav ("Gushi") Gumpel, Edith Koppel (nee Wellisch), Gert Koppel, Ilse Grunewald (nee Koppel), and Heinz Grunewald. Fellmann Bar Mitzvah -- 1957, Guayaquil

Photo taken at Bar Mitzvah of ??? Kaufmann: Back rom (L - R): Ilse Grunewald, Heinz Grunewald, ???, ???. ???, ???, Alex Alexander, ???; Second row (L - R): ???. Gustav Gumpel, ???, ??? ??? Miriam Gumpel, dith Koppel; Front row (L - R): Elisabeth Lieschen) Gumpel and Magda (Moschi) Koppel

Back row (L - R): Adam, Madelyn & Max Grunewald; Front: Fred & Jerri Grunewald (nee Ungerleiter) -- 2009, Dallas, Texas

Cousins (from left - right): Fred Grunewald, Peggy Grunewald. Tom Koppel, Ralph Grunewald, Jeanny Koppel -- September 1959, Guayaquil

Cousins (top from L - R): Peggy Grunewald & Fred Grunewald (bottom from L - R): Ralph Grunewald, Jeanny Koppel & Tom Koppel -- September 1959, Guayaquil

Back row, left to right: Ralph Grunewald, Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos), John (Aki) oppel (hidden), Ilse Grunewald (nee Koppel), Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos), Dita Gumpel (nee Ginsberg) (hidden), Gerda Sifnaghel, (nee Gumpel), Gustav (Guschi) Gumpel. Front row, left to right: Peggy Grunewald, Fred Grunewald, Niko Sifnaghel, Heinz Grunewald -- undated, San Diego, CA

Club Israelita de Guayaquil, ca. 1964. De izquierda a derecha: Fito Gumpel, Miguel Feldman, Niko Sifnaghel, Peter Albers, un companero de Peter, Roberto Fischler, Roberto Goldbaum, Saul Suster, y Nikki Landes (atras). El pequeño parado delante de Pedro Albers es Danny Czarninski.

Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos) with three of her grandchildren. From left: NIko Sifnaghel, Jerry Gumpel & Lynn Gumpel -- 1964, Guayaquil

Back row, from left: Miram, Eve, Eddy, and Susan Gumpel. Seated in front, from left: Berthold Gumpel, Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos), Gustav Gumpel, Bertl and Bruno Gumpel (Berthold, Gustav, and Bruno were brothers; Eddy is the son of Bruno) -- undated, San Diego, CA

From left: Gustav (Guschi) Gumpel, John (Aki) Koppel, Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos), Heinz Grunewald, Ilse Grunewald (nee Koppel), Haette Phillipi (Tante Haette, nee Grunewald), and Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos) -- ca. 1964 Sea World, San Diego, CA

From left: Gert Koppel, Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos), Elisabeth (Lieschen) GUmepl & Gustav Gumpel walking in the street -- 1955, Guayaquil

Photo taken at Bar Mitzvah of Danny Kaufmann: Back rom (L - R): Ilse Grunewald (nee Koppel) , Heinz Grunewald, ???, ???. ???, ???, Alex Alexander, ???; Second row (L - R): ???. Gustav Gumpel, ???, ??? ??? Miriam Alexander, Edith Koppel (nee Wellisch); Front row (L - R): Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos) and Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos) -- 1957, Guayaquil

I am sending a scan photo I got from an Ecuadorian friend of mine. It was during Chirstmas vacations in December 1967, when all of us returned home to Guayaquil and met at the Cañarte family's apartment. From left to right - back row: Pancho Cañarte, Carola Hirsch, Efrén Real, Cecilia Cañarte, Boris Suster. From left to right - front row:
Ronny Coifman, Danny Coifman, Rolf Stern, Silvia Sadun, Iris ????, Carlos Luis Real. The picture was taken by Ruth Stern.

Left: Casa Frutal with my sister, Eveline. Right: A visit to the Hacienda Cuatro Hermanitos (l to r): Federico "Fidi" Groepel, his niece Karin Dohme, my sister Eveline, Frau Groepel, me, my mother. I don't know the three persons to the right.

"Chichi" Elizabeth Nussbaum, her late husband Wolfgang "Wolfi" Klein, and their adopted son Enrique.

I'm sending you photos from my sister, as a girl scout, and as a student at the colegio Guayaquil. In the first one she wrote: "Excursión a Huigra de la Brigada de Guías "Las intrépidas". Huigra Diciembre 9 de 1945, 10 a.m." She is the first to the left on the second row.

While cleaning up, I found some more photographs. These were taken in 1993 when I visited Ecuador. This is me visiting Karin Dohme de Cedeño, Roberto Levy's niece, at her home in Guayaquil.

This was a restaurant that I don't remember who it belonged to, but we used to go there for cakes. It was on the way between the "Carmen Matilde" and the seashore.

From left to right: Renate Herz, me (Cati), Yosef Prosnitz, Lothar Herz???, Herr Gutman, ?? Kohn, ????, Nicole Sussman, and Elizabeth (Chichi) Nussbaum. Miriam Grunauer is sitting in the floor -- ca. 1948, Guayaquil

This is the Haifa Chamber Choir. I'm on the third row, the fourth from left. As you can figure out, I'm still singing. I started my choral activities at the Colegio Americano in Guayaquil in 1950 where for the first time I realised that singing in a choir was a fantastic thing. I also learned then, that my parents had been in the Berliner Aerzte Choir until they had to leave Germany. In Chile I joined the Coro de San Antonio, el Coro Bancario, el Coro de la Escuela Dental (I sang there because I knew the conductor), and the Coro de la Universidad de Chile, until we left for Israel. I joined the Haifa Chamber Choir in 1968, and I have been there ever since, with ups and downs. Our plans for this new year are: concerts in February, and in the summer (July-August) we are going to a festival to Hungary.

I found this photograph from the "Carmen Matilde" where we spent some of our vacation in Playas. My parents used to rent part of the rooms to friends, so that we could have a vacation. My mother used to cook for everybody. Puli Fried might remember this place.

My father Siegbert Cohn on the upper left. My parents, my sister and me hiding, ca. 1946. Second row: my sister Eveline, and Eveline, Oma Recha and me, Cati, in 1941.
And my sister and me.

The big group might have been celebrating Purim. I'm one of the clowns and Elizbeth Klein (nee Nussbaum "Chichi") is the other one. On the far right you can see Lotte Rosenberg holding Franklin's hand, and visibly being pregnant with her second child. I can identify a few people in the photo: From left: Roni Coifman, the Grunauers, the Menasse girl and boy (on the second row), Abraham Suster, Manya Swechensky (on the far right), Ruthie Stein, further to the right is Hannelore Caminer, Dorita Hazins, Dani Coifman. This picture might have been taken in 1950 or 1951 -- Guayaquil

Our small family: my parents Siegbert and Else Cohn in the back; my paternal grandmother Recha Cohn (sitting), and my sister, Gerda Eveline, and me, Catalina (Cati), on each side.

The official photograph of my father after he was appointed to be the President of the Jewish Community in Guayaquil, taken in 1948.

Mr. Joachim List's school in 1937. I don't know if it was already called Colegio Internacional. My sister is the 5th from the left in the second row.

At left is Lotti Scharfstein (Elisa Lotti) and my sister, Gerda Eveline, at far right. I don't know who the man is.

Taken on the Desfile del 9 de Octubre, on the same avenida (9 de Octubre). This time it is me in the Colegio Internacional holding one of the ribbons of the Estandarte. On the other side you can see Johanna List. This photo was probably taken in 1947 or 1948. Mr. List is walking behind us during the desfile.

This is a photograph, probably from 1945 or 1946. It must have been because one of the boys left to fight in Palestina and we heard that he had been killed soon after his arrival. I think his name was Anisman (I don't know his first name). I only recognize a few: sitting on the floor from the right: Anita Sussmann, me, my sister and ???.
In the second row from the right I only recognize the third (Inge Nussbaum Fischler) and the 4th. (Lotti Scharfstein). Standing I only recognize Eddy Gumpel on the right, the one with glasses in front should be somebody from the Gumpel Clan. I'll let you know if I remember more.

Photo taken on the terrace of Casa Frutal, in 1940. My father Siegbert, my mother Else, my sister Eveline and me, Catalina (Cati) -- 1940, Guayaquil
![1947 photo of an event (probably Purim or Hannukah) at the Beneficienca (I think) in Guayaquil. Top Row: 4th from left, Miriam Grunauer, 3rd from right, me; 2nd from right, Nikki Sussman; 1st from right, I think that is Abramcito Shuster, but that needs checking). Bottom row: with Miriam's arm around her, Dinah Grunauer (now deceased). [Subsequently, Cati Holland identifed people in this photo: From left to right, first row: Roni and Dani Coifman, Dinah Grunauer, ? Susman, I don't know who the last to the right is. Second row: Pepe Hasins, ? Herz, Marion Kainz (my cousin), Miriam Grunauer, Dorita Hasins, me (Catalina Cohn in those years), Katja Sifnaghel, John "Puli" Fried, Nicole Susman and Avram Shuster.]](https://jewsofecuador.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2024/10/John20Fried_120120of2011-1/346169579.jpg)
1947 photo of an event (probably Purim or Hannukah) at the Beneficienca (I think) in Guayaquil. Top Row: 4th from left, Miriam Grunauer, 3rd from right, me; 2nd from right, Nikki Sussman; 1st from right, I think that is Abramcito Shuster, but that needs checking). Bottom row: with Miriam's arm around her, Dinah Grunauer (now deceased). [Subsequently, Cati Holland identifed people in this photo: From left to right, first row: Roni and Dani Coifman, Dinah Grunauer, ? Susman, I don't know who the last to the right is. Second row: Pepe Hasins, ? Herz, Marion Kainz (my cousin), Miriam Grunauer, Dorita Hasins, me (Catalina Cohn in those years), Katja Sifnaghel, John "Puli" Fried, Nicole Susman and Avram Shuster.]

My father was born on January 1st., so we always had a big party. The photo I'm sending you is the "Silvester Feier" 1944. It was actually
a party for the Young Wizo, but these are the older ones. My sister had the best costume, so she won first prize: a living duck, one of my father's ideas. He didn't take into consideration that Eveline would win. I recognize some of the guests: On the floor Ernst Grunauer, and ??? Sussmann (Nicole and Ruthie's father), I don't know who the lady is. Second row sitting from left: Bruno Moritz, Trude Scharfstein, ????, my grandmother Recha, my sister Eveline, Beate Grunauer, my mother Else Cohn and Lily Moritz.
Third row standing: Erwin Gumpel, ???, Jose Scharfstein, My father
Siegbert Cohn, and the other three I don't recognize.
![From Cati Holland (nee Cohn), Hadera, Israel: This photograph was taken with the back to the "two men shaking hands". To the right you can see the premises of the Centro Israelita, the lower building. Next to it was a bank that doesn't exist now. [Katja Lindenberg (nee Sifnaghel) subsequently added: Too small to see on my blackberry, but the description exactly fits the statue of Bolivar and San Martin at the Malecon. The statue is still there, as is the building of the old Centro Israelita (at least as of last May, 2009)]. [ Fred Grunewald (Dallas, TX) added: And there was an animal statue that we dubbed El Burrochancho]](https://jewsofecuador.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/nueve.jpg)
From Cati Holland (nee Cohn), Hadera, Israel: This photograph was taken with the back to the "two men shaking hands". To the right you can see the premises of the Centro Israelita, the lower building. Next to it was a bank that doesn't exist now. [Katja Lindenberg (nee Sifnaghel) subsequently added: Too small to see on my blackberry, but the description exactly fits the statue of Bolivar and San Martin at the Malecon. The statue is still there, as is the building of the old Centro Israelita (at least as of last May, 2009)]. [ Fred Grunewald (Dallas, TX) added: And there was an animal statue that we dubbed El Burrochancho]

Else Wellisch (nee Deller), Ernst Wellisch, Magda (Moschi) and John Koppel, Cati Cohn, and Helmut Wellisch -- 1959, Guayaquil

This photograph was taken in 1936, and it shows Posorja. That's what my father wrote on the back of this photograph.

From Cati Holland (nee Cohn), Hadera, Isarel: I sent this postcard to my sister, Eveline (she was in Chile attending university) on May 11, 1947, so she "won't forget". The postcard shows the Post Office to the right, and opposite, the house we lived in, on Chile y Aguirre. When I visited Guayaquil in 1993, I realised that this building had been torn down, and another higher one was built instead.

“Brussel, 1947” L: Willy Stoppelman (Gerhard’s father) R: Amalie Heilbut Koppel/Oma Malchen [Back of photo: “Uccle (Brussels), 1942” (where Oma Malchen was hiding) -- page 47
![“Brussel, 1941” L: Gerhard Stoppelman (Mami’s uncle) R: Edith Stoppelman (Opa Aki’s sister; Mami’s aunt) [Note: The Stoppelman’s took in Mami and her brother, Gert Koppel, when they left Hamburg for Antwerp on February 3, 1939]-- page 46](https://jewsofecuador.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2024/10/image0-056/2491502313.jpg)
“Brussel, 1941” L: Gerhard Stoppelman (Mami’s uncle) R: Edith Stoppelman (Opa Aki’s sister; Mami’s aunt) [Note: The Stoppelman’s took in Mami and her brother, Gert Koppel, when they left Hamburg for Antwerp on February 3, 1939]-- page 46
![“Guayaquil, 1944”Heinz Grunewald/Papi [Note: If, indeed, photo was taken in 1944, then this photo was taken before Mami arrived in Ecuador in 1946, and before she married Papi on October 23, 1947]-- page 45](https://jewsofecuador.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2024/10/image0-055/2317917371.jpg)
“Guayaquil, 1944”Heinz Grunewald/Papi [Note: If, indeed, photo was taken in 1944, then this photo was taken before Mami arrived in Ecuador in 1946, and before she married Papi on October 23, 1947]-- page 45
![“Antwerpen 1940” L: Gerhard Stoppelman (Mami’s uncle) R: Edith Stoppelman (Opa Aki’s sister; Mami’s aunt) [Note: The Stoppelman’s took in Mami and her brother, Gert Koppel, when they left Hamburg for Antwerp on February 3, 1939]-- page 43](https://jewsofecuador.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2024/10/image0-053/3078305823.jpg)
“Antwerpen 1940” L: Gerhard Stoppelman (Mami’s uncle) R: Edith Stoppelman (Opa Aki’s sister; Mami’s aunt) [Note: The Stoppelman’s took in Mami and her brother, Gert Koppel, when they left Hamburg for Antwerp on February 3, 1939]-- page 43
![“Antwerpen, 1940” L: Nora Meyer-Uderwald [Back of photo: “Brussels 1942”] R: Hans Meyer-Uderwald [Note: Nora’s brother]-- page 42](https://jewsofecuador.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2024/10/image0-052/1036196884.jpg)
“Antwerpen, 1940” L: Nora Meyer-Uderwald [Back of photo: “Brussels 1942”] R: Hans Meyer-Uderwald [Note: Nora’s brother]-- page 42
![“Hamburg, 1937”[Back of photo notes: “Miss Liesel Loewenherz, Herbert van der Walde, January 1937.” Note: She was Mami’s physical education teacher and he was a coach for the Bar Kochba Jewish sports club] -- page 41](https://jewsofecuador.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2024/10/image0-051-1/1686654510.jpg)
“Hamburg, 1937”[Back of photo notes: “Miss Liesel Loewenherz, Herbert van der Walde, January 1937.” Note: She was Mami’s physical education teacher and he was a coach for the Bar Kochba Jewish sports club] -- page 41

“Israel, 1948”Heinz Wulf (son of Paul and Mathilde/Tilly Wulf (Opa Aki’s sister)); Mami’s cousin [Back of photo notes: “Heinz, killed in battle, June 1948, for the cause of Israel.” Note: Heinz Wulf died in the Battle of Sedjra in the Israeli War of Independence on July 12, 1948.)-- page 40

“Israel, 1948”Heinz Wulf (son of Paul and Mathilde/Tilly Wulf (Opa Aki’s sister)); Mami’s cousin [Back of photo notes: “Heinz, killed in battle, June 1948, for the cause of Israel.” Note: Heinz Wulf died in the Battle of Sedjra in the Israeli War of Independence on July 12, 1948.)-- page 40
![“Hamburg, 1938” Magda Koppel/Oma Moschi and John Koppel/Opa Aki [Note: this photo is clearly taken after World War II, probably in the mid-1950’s, and is not taken in Hamburg in 1938; it probably was pasted in afterwards to replace a missing photo]-- page 39](https://jewsofecuador.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2024/10/image0-048-1/4116556952.jpg)
“Hamburg, 1938” Magda Koppel/Oma Moschi and John Koppel/Opa Aki [Note: this photo is clearly taken after World War II, probably in the mid-1950’s, and is not taken in Hamburg in 1938; it probably was pasted in afterwards to replace a missing photo]-- page 39

“Hamburg, 1936”Mami’s school class at the Israelitische Maedchen Schule (Hamburg) (Back of photo lists every person on photo)-- page 38 (back of image)

“Hamburg, 1936”Mami’s school class at the Israelitische Maedchen Schule (Hamburg) (Back of photo lists every person on photo)-- page 38

“Antwerpen, 1940”Ilse Koppel/Mami [Back of photo is inscribed on February 29, 1940 in Dutch by Mami’s friend, Jeff/Jefke Lumer. Note: This is the same date that Mami, Opa Aki, and Tio (Gert) went from Antwerp to Chateau Marneffe (near Huy), a home for alien Jewish families until the German invasion on May 10, 1940)-- page 37

“Antwerpen, 1940”Ilse Koppel/Mami [Back of photo is inscribed on February 29, 1940 in Dutch by Mami’s friend, Jeff/Jefke Lumer. Note: This is the same date that Mami, Opa Aki, and Tio (Gert) went from Antwerp to Chateau Marneffe (near Huy), a home for alien Jewish families until the German invasion on May 10, 1940)-- page 37

“Antwerpen, 1940”Ilse Koppel/Mami [Back of photo is inscribed on February 29, 1940 in Dutch by Mami’s friend, Jeff/Jefke Lumer. Note: This is the same date that Mami, Opa Aki, and Tio (Gert) went from Antwerp to Chateau Marneffe (near Huy), a home for alien Jewish families until the German invasion on May 10, 1940)-- page 36
![“Antwerpen, 1940”Ilse Koppel/Mami [Back of photo is inscribed on February 29, 1940 in Dutch by Mami’s friend, Jeff/Jefke Lumer. Note: This is the same date that Mami, Opa Aki, and Tio (Gert) went from Antwerp to Chateau Marneffe (near Huy), a home for alien Jewish families until the German invasion on May 10, 1940]-- page 36](https://jewsofecuador.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2024/10/image0-042-1/2944934777.jpg)
“Antwerpen, 1940”Ilse Koppel/Mami [Back of photo is inscribed on February 29, 1940 in Dutch by Mami’s friend, Jeff/Jefke Lumer. Note: This is the same date that Mami, Opa Aki, and Tio (Gert) went from Antwerp to Chateau Marneffe (near Huy), a home for alien Jewish families until the German invasion on May 10, 1940]-- page 36
![“Hamburg and London, 1939”L: John Koppel/Opa Aki [Back of photo: “I will always love you, Your Papi”]R: Magda Koppel/Oma Moschi [Back of photo: inscribed to her husband]-- page 35](https://jewsofecuador.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2024/10/image0-041-1/1339601406.jpg)
“Hamburg and London, 1939”L: John Koppel/Opa Aki [Back of photo: “I will always love you, Your Papi”]R: Magda Koppel/Oma Moschi [Back of photo: inscribed to her husband]-- page 35
![“Guayaquil, 1947” L: Gert Koppel/Tio R: Ilse Koppel/Mami [Note: not clear if this photo was taken prior to October 23, 1947, the date Mami married Heinz Grunewald/Papi]-- page 34](https://jewsofecuador.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2024/10/image0-040-1/3182665804.jpg)
“Guayaquil, 1947” L: Gert Koppel/Tio R: Ilse Koppel/Mami [Note: not clear if this photo was taken prior to October 23, 1947, the date Mami married Heinz Grunewald/Papi]-- page 34

John & Magda Koppel album for daughter, Ilse -- page 33 -- Jeff (Jeffke) Lemer (BACK of photo: inscription by Jeff (Jeffke) Lemer)

John & Magda Koppel album for daughter, Ilse -- page 33 -- Jeff (Jeffke) Lemer (see next image for BACK of photo)
![“Antwerpen, 1940”Jeff/Jefke Lumer [Back of photo is inscribed on February 29, 1940 in Dutch by Mami’s friend, Jeff/Jefke Lumer) [Note: This is the same date that Mami, Opa Aki, and Tio (Gert) went from Antwerp to Chateau Marneffe (near Huy), a home for alien Jewish families until the German invasion on May 10, 1940]-- page 32](https://jewsofecuador.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2024/10/image0-037-1/1335815034.jpg)
“Antwerpen, 1940”Jeff/Jefke Lumer [Back of photo is inscribed on February 29, 1940 in Dutch by Mami’s friend, Jeff/Jefke Lumer) [Note: This is the same date that Mami, Opa Aki, and Tio (Gert) went from Antwerp to Chateau Marneffe (near Huy), a home for alien Jewish families until the German invasion on May 10, 1940]-- page 32
![“Antwerpen, 1939” Ilse Koppel/Mami [Back of photo is inscribed in September 1939 in Dutch by Mami’s friend, Jeff/Jefke Lumer]-- page 32](https://jewsofecuador.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2024/10/image0-036-1/3411022072.jpg)
“Antwerpen, 1939” Ilse Koppel/Mami [Back of photo is inscribed in September 1939 in Dutch by Mami’s friend, Jeff/Jefke Lumer]-- page 32
![“Hamburg, 1939” L: Erna Jarcho (Mami’s housekeeper) R: Gustav/Guschi Jarcho (Erna’s husband) [Note: Opa Aki went to their home on Kristallnacht (November 9, 1938) for shelter, and spent a few nights there in safety; very close family friends]-- page 31](https://jewsofecuador.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2024/10/image0-035-1/721453695.jpg)
“Hamburg, 1939” L: Erna Jarcho (Mami’s housekeeper) R: Gustav/Guschi Jarcho (Erna’s husband) [Note: Opa Aki went to their home on Kristallnacht (November 9, 1938) for shelter, and spent a few nights there in safety; very close family friends]-- page 31

“Guayaquil, 1949” L: John Koppel/Opa Aki R: Amalie Heilbut Koppel/Oma Malchen (Opa Aki’s mother; Mami’s grandmother)-- page 30
![“Richmond [England], 1939” Mr. Harrington, Mrs. Harrington, and Oma Moschi’s (Oma Moschi’s former boss in Hamburg, who arranged to send her a visa to England before the start of World War II) [Back of photo notes: “Richmond: July 16, 1939 -- Harrington’s and me!”] -- page 29](https://jewsofecuador.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2024/10/image0-033-1/818979120.jpg)
“Richmond [England], 1939” Mr. Harrington, Mrs. Harrington, and Oma Moschi’s (Oma Moschi’s former boss in Hamburg, who arranged to send her a visa to England before the start of World War II) [Back of photo notes: “Richmond: July 16, 1939 -- Harrington’s and me!”] -- page 29
![“Richmond [England], 1939” Mr. Harington, Mrs. Harrington, and Oma Moschi’s (Oma Moschi’s former boss in Hamburg, who arranged to send her a visa to England before the start of World War II) [Back of photo notes: “Richmond: July 16, 1939 -- in the back garden”]-- page 28](https://jewsofecuador.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2024/10/image0-032-1/4012316306.jpg)
“Richmond [England], 1939” Mr. Harington, Mrs. Harrington, and Oma Moschi’s (Oma Moschi’s former boss in Hamburg, who arranged to send her a visa to England before the start of World War II) [Back of photo notes: “Richmond: July 16, 1939 -- in the back garden”]-- page 28

“Antwerpen, 1940” L: Gert Koppel/Tio R: Gerhard Wulf (son of Back of photo: "Do not forget me, and write me once in a while; with love, Your Gerhard”-- page 27
![“Antwerpen, 1940” L: Gert Koppel/Tio R: Gerhard Wulf (son of Paul and Mathilde/Tilly Wulf (Opa Aki’s sister)); Mami’s cousin [Back of photo notes: “Do not forget me, and write me once in a while; with love, Your Gerhard”]-- page 27](https://jewsofecuador.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2024/10/image0-030-1/4246508967.jpg)
“Antwerpen, 1940” L: Gert Koppel/Tio R: Gerhard Wulf (son of Paul and Mathilde/Tilly Wulf (Opa Aki’s sister)); Mami’s cousin [Back of photo notes: “Do not forget me, and write me once in a while; with love, Your Gerhard”]-- page 27

“Hamburg, 1937”Mami with Hannelore Hanauer (left) and ---- Victorowicz (right) or perhaps perhaps Ruth Meyer-Feilchenfeld -- page 21

“Hamburg, 1939” L: Laszlo/Latzi Partos (Oma Moschi’s brother) R: Hanna Braun Partos (wife of Laszlo)-- page 17

“Brussel, 1941”L: Kurt Gumpel (adopted son of Berthold and Gertrud/Trudl Gumpel; Mami’s cousin)“Hamburg, 1935” R: Thomas/Tommy Gumpel (son of Berthold and Gertrud/ Trudl Gumpel; Mami’s cousin) -- page 18

“Hamburg, 1939”L: Helmut Partos (Mami’s cousin; son of Laszlo Partos (Oma Moschi’s brother)) R: Vera Partos (Mami’s cousin; daughter of Laszlo -- page 15

“Hamburg, 1939” John Koppel/Opa Aki (in the back garden of Gustav and Lieschen Gumpel’s home)-- page 15

“Hamburg, 1939”L: Margit Partos Braasch Spielman (Oma Moschi’s sister; Mami’s aunt) R: Hans-Heinz Braasch (Margit’s son; Mami’s cousin) -- page 14

“Hamburg, 1939”Inge Braasch Kayser (Mami’s cousin; daughter of Louis and Margit Partos Braasch Spielman) -- page 13

“Hamburg, 1939”L: Thomas/Tommy Gumpel (Mami’s cousin; son of Berthold and Gertrud/Trudl Gumpel) R: Felicitas/Fee Gumpel (Mami’s cousin; daughter of Berthold and Gertrud/Trudl Gumpel)-- page 12

“Guayaquil, 1946”L: Gerda Gumpel Siefnaghel (Mami’s cousin) R: Manea Siefnaghel (Gerda’s first husband; father of Katja Siefnaghel Lindenberg and Niko Shefer)-- page 7 (obviously chronologically out of order, but this is where these 1946 photos appear)

“Hamburg, 1939”L: Gustav/Guschi Gumpel (Mami’s uncle)R: Elisabeth/Lieschen Gumpel (Mami’s aunt; Oma Moschi’s sister-- page 6

“Guayaquil, 1946”L: Katja Siefnaghel Lindenberg (Gerda’s and Manea Siefnaghel’s daughter) R: Elisabeth/Lieschen Partos Gumpel (Oma Moschi’s sister married to Gustav/Guschi Gumpel; mother of Gerda Gumpel Siefnaghel, & grandmother of Katja) -- page 5(obviously chronologically out of order, but this is where these 1946 photos appear)

“Hamburg, 1939” Riza Weiszmayer Partos (Oma Moschi’s mother; Mami’s grandmother; wife of Bela Partos)-- page 4

“Hamburg, 1941”Margit Braasch Spielman (Oma Moschi’s sister) & Inge Braasch Kayser (Mami’s cousin)John & Magda Koppel album for daughter, Ilse-- page 3
!["Meiner grossen, geliebten, süssen Ilse -- in Liebe, Dein Aki -- 30.3.39"[“My big, beloved, sweet Ilse -- With love, your Aki (father) -- March 30, 1939” (Note: Same day as Oma Moschi/Opa Aki’s wife/Mami’s mother’s birthday)]"Mein Goldi, in inniger Liebe, küsst Dich -- Dein ‘Mütterl"[“My little Golden One, with deep-felt Love, kisses --- your “’Mütterl’” (pet name meaning “your little mother”)]-- page 1](https://jewsofecuador.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2024/10/image0-003-1/1625890178.jpg)
"Meiner grossen, geliebten, süssen Ilse -- in Liebe, Dein Aki -- 30.3.39"[“My big, beloved, sweet Ilse -- With love, your Aki (father) -- March 30, 1939” (Note: Same day as Oma Moschi/Opa Aki’s wife/Mami’s mother’s birthday)]"Mein Goldi, in inniger Liebe, küsst Dich -- Dein ‘Mütterl"[“My little Golden One, with deep-felt Love, kisses --- your “’Mütterl’” (pet name meaning “your little mother”)]-- page 1

At left is Lotti Scharfstein (Elisa Lotti) and my sister, Gerda Eveline, at far right. I don't know who the man is.

Cousins (from left - right): Fred Grunewald, Peggy Grunewald. Tom Koppel, Ralph Grunewald, Jeanny Koppel -- September 1959, Guayaquil

Cousins (top from L - R): Peggy Grunewald & Fred Grunewald (bottom from L - R): Ralph Grunewald, Jeanny Koppel & Tom Koppel -- September 1959, Guayaquil

From left: Ernst Wellisch, Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos), Else Wellisch (nee Deller), and John Koppel -- 1962, Playas

Left: Gert Koppel and children, Jeanny and Tom -- 1958, Guayaquil; Right: Tom and Jeanny Koppel -- 1958, Guayaquil

From left: Heinz Grunewald, Edith Koppel (nee Wellisch), Magda Koppel (nee Partos), Ilse Grunewald (nee Koppel), Gert Koppel at Geiger Bar Mitzvah -- Sept. 1959, Guayaquil

From left: Gert Koppel, Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos), Elisabeth (Lieschen) GUmepl & Gustav Gumpel walking in the street -- 1955, Guayaquil

Page from John and Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos) album (with Koppel and Grunewald family members) -- 1958, Guayaquil

Else Wellisch (nee Deller), Ernst Wellisch, Magda (Moschi) and John Koppel, Cati Cohn, and Helmut Wellisch -- 1959, Guayaquil

From left: Niko Sifnaghel, Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos), Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos) & John Koppel -- 1962, Hotel Humboldt, Playas

From left: Else Wellisch (nee Deller), John Koppel, Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos), Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos) and Gerda Sifnaghel (nee Gumpel) -- 1962, Hotel Humboldt, Playas

From left: Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos), Manea Sifnaghel, Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos) & John Koppel -- 1962, Hotel Humboldt, Playas

Peter Albers Bar Mitzvah party (from left: Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos), Else Wellisch (nee Deller), ??, Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos), John Koppel, ??, ?? -- 1963, Guayaquil

Peter Albers Bar Mitzvah (center: John Koppel; to his left: Ernst Wellisch) -- June 15, 1963, Guayaquil

Cousins (from left): Fred Grunewald, Tom Koppel, Peggy Grunewald, Jeanny Koppel, Ralph Grunewald -- ca. 1956, Guayaquil

From left: Edith Koppel (nee Wellisch), Ilse Grunewald (nee Koppel), Gert Koppel (back to camera), Gerda Sifnaghel (nee Gumpel), and Gustav ("Gushi") Gumpel

Cousins reunion in Colina del Sol Park (San Diego, CA): (L - R) Fred Grunewald, Tom Koppel, Peggy Grunewald, Ralph Grunewald, Jeanny Koppel, and Ilse Grunewald -- 1961, San Diego, CA

Edith Koppel (nee Wellisch) with daughter, JeannyKoppel and Ilse Grunewald (nee Koppel) with son, Ralph Grunewald -- 1956, Guayaquil

From left: Manea Sifnaghel, Magda ("Moschi") Koppel (nee Partos), John ("Aki") Koppel, Katja Sifnaghel, Elisabeth ("Lieschen") Gumpel (nee Partos), Gerda Sifnaghel (nee Gumpel), Gustav ("Gushi") Gumpel, Edith Koppel (nee Wellisch), Gert Koppel, Ilse Grunewald (nee Koppel), and Heinz Grunewald. Fellmann Bar Mitzvah -- 1957, Guayaquil

Three sisters: Margit Braasch (nee Partos), Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos) and Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos

Back row, left to right: Ralph Grunewald, Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos), John (Aki) oppel (hidden), Ilse Grunewald (nee Koppel), Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos), Dita Gumpel (nee Ginsberg) (hidden), Gerda Sifnaghel, (nee Gumpel), Gustav (Guschi) Gumpel. Front row, left to right: Peggy Grunewald, Fred Grunewald, Niko Sifnaghel, Heinz Grunewald -- ca. 1968, San Diego, CA

4 Generations, 1942, Guayaquil -- from left: Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos), Katja Sifnaghel, Gerda Sifnaghel (nee Gumepl), and Riza (Oma Riza) Partos (nee Wiezmeyer)

Gerda Gumpel on the deck of the ship "Patria," on her family's journey to Ecuador from Hamburg, Germany -- 1930, somewhere on the Atlantic Ocean

Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos) with three of her grandchildren. From left: Niko Sifnaghel, Jerry Gumpel & Lynn Gumpel -- 1964, Guayaquil

Riza Partos (nee Weizmeyer), Gerda Sifnaghel (nee Gumpel), Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos); in front: Katja Sifnaghel -- Guayaquil

Ilse Grunewald holding her son, Fred and Gerda Sifnaghel holding her son, Niko -- ca. 1951, Guayaquil

From left (sitting on bench in back) Gerda Sifnaghel (nee Gumpel); Katja Sifnaghel; Peter Albers (in front of Katja); ???; Fred Grunewald; Lynn Gumpel (in carriage); Susie Albers; Niko Sifnaghel

Manea Sifnaghel, Gustav Gumpel, Dita Gumpel (nee Ginsberg), Lynn Gumpel, Lieschen Gumpel (nee Partos), and Erwin Gumpel

Back row, from left: Miram, Eve, Eddy, and Susan Gumpel. Seated in front, from left: Berthold Gumpel, Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos), Gustav Gumpel, Bertl Gumpel (nee Saenger) and Bruno Gumpel (Berthold, Gustav, and Bruno were brothers; Eddy is the son of Bruno) -- undated, San Diego, CA

From left: Gustav (Guschi) Gumpel, John (Aki) Koppel, Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos), Heinz Grunewald, Ilse Grunewald (nee Koppel), Haette Phillipi (Tante Haette, nee Grunewald), and Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos) -- ca. 1964 Sea World, San Diego, CA

From left: Margot Braasch (nee Partos), Gustav Gumpel, Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos), Hans-Heinz Braacsh, Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos) and John Koppel -- 1964, Guayaquil

Gustav Gumpel, Katja Lakatos (nee Sifnaghel), Andy Lakatos, and Lieschen Gumpel at Katja & Andy's wedding -- 1960, Guayaquil

Christian Braasch's first birthday party. Back row, far left: Else Wellisch (nee Deller); far right: Hans-Heinz Braasch. Middle row, left to right: ??, "La Senora" (Hans-Heinz Braasch's wife), Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos), Gerda Signaghel (nee Gumpel), Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos), Ilse Grunewald (nee Koppel). Front row, left to right: Ralph Grunewald, Christian Braasch, Peggy Grunewald, Fred Grunewald, Niko Sifnaghel -- September 20, 1961, Guayaquil

Wedding of Andy Lakatos and Katja Sifnaghel: from left: Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos); Gerda Sifnaghel (nee Gumpel), partly hidden; Manea Sifnaghel; wife of Hans-Heinz Braasch; Ilse Grunewald (nee Koppel); Katja Sifnaghel; Andy Lakatos; Heinz Grunewald; Magda Koppel (nee Partos); Hans-Heinz Braasch; John Koppel; Lilla Lakatos; and Gustav Gumpel. Front row: Peggy Grunewald; Ralph Grunewald; Niko Sifnaghel; and Fred Grunewald -- 1961, Guayaquil

From left: Niko Sifnaghel, Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos), Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos) & John Koppel -- 1962, Hotel Humboldt, Playas

From left: Else Wellisch (nee Deller), John Koppel, Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos), Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos) and Gerda Sifnaghel (nee Gumpel) -- 1962, Hotel Humboldt, Playas

From left: Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos), Manea Sifnaghel, Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos) & John Koppel -- 1962, Hotel Humboldt, Playas

From left: Gerda Sifnaghel (nee Gumpel), Niko Sifnaghel & Manea Sifnaghel -- December 31, 1962, Hotel Humboldt, Playas

From left: Edith Koppel (nee Wellisch), Ilse Grunewald (nee Koppel), Gert Koppel (back to camera), Gerda Sifnaghel (nee Gumpel), and Gustav ("Gushi") Gumpel

From left: Manea Sifnaghel, Magda ("Moschi") Koppel (nee Partos), John ("Aki") Koppel, Katja Sifnaghel, Elisabeth ("Lieschen") Gumpel (nee Partos), Gerda Sifnaghel (nee Gumpel), Gustav ("Gushi") Gumpel, Edith Koppel (nee Wellisch), Gert Koppel, Ilse Grunewald (nee Koppel), and Heinz Grunewald. Fellmann Bar Mitzvah -- 1957, Guayaquil

Club Israelita, Guayaquil, ca. 1960 -- Visita del Embajador de Israel (centro). En la ultima fila parados, de izquierda a derecha: Saul Feldman, Ronni Coifman, Boris Suster, Danny Coifman, Rolf Stern, (dos que no conozco), Johnny Czarninski. Los siete niños en el centro de la ultima fila (bottom) de izquierda a derecha son: Miguel Feldman, Vivian Czarninski, Peggy Grunewald, Saul Suster, Niko Sifnaghel, Joseph Morder, y Peter Albers.

Cousins (top from L - R): Peggy Grunewald & Fred Grunewald (bottom from L - R): Ralph Grunewald, Jeanny Koppel & Tom Koppel -- September 1959, Guayaquil

From left: Richard Ratner, Solimar & Daniel Ratner, & Peggy Ratner (nee Grunewald) -- 2007, Chula Vista, CA

Date is 1947. From left to right.: At the top, Herminia Reinsburg, paternal grandmother; Jose Reinsburg; Margarita Grosz de Reinsburg; those are my parents. Renee Grosz, my aunt; next Marta Grosz de Berger and Tibor Berger, my uncles. Left to right at the botttom: Julie Reinsburg, Ivan Berger and Susy Reinsburg, myself,, my cousin and my sister.

This photo was retrieved from my Mom.s wallet in poor condition. Thanks to my grandson we are able to see it. That is my Dad, Jose Reinsburg, Coronel and Comander of the Guarnicion en Reserva... during the years of war with Peru 1941 or so. The name of the horse was FURIOSO! GREAT STORY. These parades were frequent while the enlisted soldiers fought with the Peruvians... the rest of Ecuador was showing that they were on alert. This photo was taken in Ambato.

From left: Herbert Marx, Edith Schwamenau, Walter Karger, Senta Schwamenau, Fritz Adler, Eva Rosenthal -- ca. 1948

Abraham Schaechter's store on Calle Olmedo, Quito, near the Plaza del Teatro Sucre. The name "Chester" was used because it was the closest people there came to pronouncing "Schaechter" (and they knew it from the cigarette brand).

Luis W. Levy's birthday -- 1943, Quito. Back row: Elio Schaechter, Werner Levy, Lutz Nadelmann, Heinz Fisch. Front row: Peter Kuttner, Moppi Gottschalk

Left to right: Walter Karger, Kaete Kiwi (founder of the Jugenbund Chanitah), Werner Levy, (standing) Rolf Scharlach, (unknown), Edith Wellisch, Peter Kuttner, Lutz Nadelmann, Michael Schwindt, Kaete's husband in the car. The photo was taken ca. 1944 at the hacienda run by the Wellisch and Deller families and frequented on weekends by members of the Quito community.

A group of us walked from Tingo to Quito, only to be caught in a heavy rainstorm. The kindly people in the choza (simple cottage) kindly offered us shelter. From left to right (right half): ?, ?, (rear) Witja Tuerkel, Gerda Pesach. Front, Edith Wellisch

Back, left to right: Jaime (a Venezuelan visitor), Edith Wellisch, Jasha (also a Ven. visitor). Front: Helmut Wellisch
Back, left ot right: Jaime (a Venezuelan visitor), Edith Wellisch, Jasha (also a Venezuelan visitor). Front: Helmut Wellisch

"The Rape of the Sabine Women" was a play written partly in Swabian dialect at the end of the 19th century. It was performed at the Kammerteater, an amateur group that put on plays in German and which was an important element in the cultural life of the Jewish community in Quito. If the word absurd fits a theater, it did this, glorifying German plays in the remoteness of Quito. I dont know the names of the actors, other than myself (top, middle) and below ( Inge Grünewald and me with monocle and moustache).

Werner Levy's birthday -- 1945, Quite. Back row, from left: Firtz (Frisco) Adler, Peter Kuttner, V. Freudmann, Walter Karger, Alfred (Freddi) Heim, Alfred Adler, Elio Schaechter, Renate Scharlach, Dita Ginsberg, Hanni Stainlauf, Rolf Scharlach, Eva Mendl, Lutz Nadelmann. Front row, from left: G. Heim, Eva Rosenthal, Wener Levy, Edith Schwamenau

Three sisters: Margit Braasch (nee Partos), Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos) and Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos

Back row, left to right: Ralph Grunewald, Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos), John (Aki) oppel (hidden), Ilse Grunewald (nee Koppel), Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos), Dita Gumpel (nee Ginsberg) (hidden), Gerda Sifnaghel, (nee Gumpel), Gustav (Guschi) Gumpel. Front row, left to right: Peggy Grunewald, Fred Grunewald, Niko Sifnaghel, Heinz Grunewald -- undated, San Diego, CA

Club Israelita, Guayaquil, ca. 1960 -- Visita del Embajador de Israel (centro). En la ultima fila parados, de izquierda a derecha: Saul Feldman, Ronni Coifman, Boris Suster, Danny Coifman, Rolf Stern, (dos que no conozco), Johnny Czarninski. Los siete niños en el centro de la ultima fila (bottom) de izquierda a derecha son: Miguel Feldman, Vivian Czarninski, Peggy Grunewald, Saul Suster, Niko Sifnaghel, Joseph Morder, y Peter Albers.

Foto del Colegio Americano de Guayaquil, 5to curso de secundaria. El primero de la fila de abajo (sentado) de la izquierda es Niko Sifnaghel; el tercero es Saul Suster. Eramos los dos unicos muchachos Judio de la clase. (undated)

Club Israelita de Guayaquil, ca. 1964. De izquierda a derecha: Fito Gumpel, Miguel Feldman, Niko Sifnaghel, Peter Albers, un companero de Peter, Roberto Fischler, Roberto Goldbaum, Saul Suster, y Nikki Landes (atras). El pequeño parado delante de Pedro Albers es Danny Czarninski.

Foto en el Parque Centenario de Guayaquil, ca. 1954, el mas pequeno en el triciclo es Saul Suster. No estoy seguro, pero pienso que la niña el el medio es mi prima, Tania Suster (z"l), y el chico de la patinenta es Niko Sifnaghel.

From left: NIko Sifnaghel, Peter Albers, and Gabi Alexandrer -- My 4th birthday party -- July 1955, Guayaquil
Niko, Peter, myself

The three musketeer sitting on my bed: Niko Sifnaghel, Peter Albers & Freddy Grunewald. My second(?) birthday party -- ca. 1953, Guayaquil

My first bithday party, July 1952, Guayaquil -- I'm sitting on the chair, in the middle Niko Sifnaghel, on his right Freddy Grunewald, in between Dina Grunauer

4 Generations, 1942, Guayaquil -- from left: Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos), Katja Sifnaghel, Gerda Sifnaghel (nee Gumepl), and Riza (Oma Riza) Partos (nee Wiezmeyer)

Photo at Left (left to right): Niko Sifnaghel, Fred Grunewald, Peter Albers, Ralph Yanowitzer; boy in mask is probably Miguel Feldman; Photo at right: same group.

Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos) with three of her grandchildren. From left: NIko Sifnaghel, Jerry Gumpel & Lynn Gumpel -- 1964, Guayaquil

Riza Partos (nee Weizmeyer), Gerda Sifnaghel (nee Gumpel), Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos); in front: Katja Sifnaghel -- Guayaquil

Ilse Grunewald holding her son, Fred and Gerda Sifnaghel holding her son, Niko -- ca. 1951, Guayaquil

Back row, from left: Miram, Eve, Eddy, and Susan Gumpel. Seated in front, from left: Berthold Gumpel, Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos), Gustav Gumpel, Bertl and Bruno Gumpel (Berthold, Gustav, and Bruno were brothers; Eddy is the son of Bruno) -- undated, San Diego, CA

From left: Margot Braasch (nee Partos), Gustav Gumpel, Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos), Hans-Heinz Braacsh, Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos) and John Koppel -- 1964, Guayaquil

From left: Niko Sifnaghel, Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos), Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos) & John Koppel -- 1962, Hotel Humboldt, Playas

From left: Else Wellisch (nee Deller), John Koppel, Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos), Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos) and Gerda Sifnaghel (nee Gumpel) -- 1962, Hotel Humboldt, Playas

From left: Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos), Manea Sifnaghel, Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos) & John Koppel -- 1962, Hotel Humboldt, Playas

From left: Gerda Sifnaghel (nee Gumpel), Niko Sifnaghel & Manea Sifnaghel -- December 31, 1962, Hotel Humboldt, Playas

From left: Edith Koppel (nee Wellisch), Ilse Grunewald (nee Koppel), Gert Koppel (back to camera), Gerda Sifnaghel (nee Gumpel), and Gustav ("Gushi") Gumpel

From left: Manea Sifnaghel, Magda ("Moschi") Koppel (nee Partos), John ("Aki") Koppel, Katja Sifnaghel, Elisabeth ("Lieschen") Gumpel (nee Partos), Gerda Sifnaghel (nee Gumpel), Gustav ("Gushi") Gumpel, Edith Koppel (nee Wellisch), Gert Koppel, Ilse Grunewald (nee Koppel), and Heinz Grunewald. Fellmann Bar Mitzvah -- 1957, Guayaquil

Sonja Gely-Zurita and her daughter, Miriam, visit Washington, DC from Switzerland, along with Miriam's daughters, Jessica and Julia -- Il Canale Restaurant, Georgetown -- July 25, 2012

Sonja Gely-Zurita and her daughter, Miriam, visit Washington, DC from Switzerland, along with Miriam's daughters, Jessica and Julia -- Julia, Il Canale Restaurant, Georgetown -- July 25, 2012

Sonja Gely-Zurita and her daughter, Miriam, visit Washington, DC from Switzerland, along with Miriam's daughters, Jessica and Julia -- Georgetown Waterfront -- July 25, 2012

Sonja Gely-Zurita and her daughter, Miriam, visit Washington, DC from Switzerland, along with Miriam's daughters, Jessica and Julia -- Georgetown Waterfront -- July 25, 2012

Sonja Gely-Zurita and her daughter, Miriam, visit Washington, DC from Switzerland, along with Miriam's daughters, Jessica and Julia -- Jessica, Georgetown Waterfront -- July 25, 2012

Sonja Gely-Zurita and her daughter, Miriam, visit Washington, DC from Switzerland, along with Miriam's daughters, Jessica and Julia -- Julia, Georgetown Waterfront -- July 25, 2012

Juan Suster (second from left) con el presidente del Ecuador, Galo Plaza Lasso, Guayaquil, 1968 -- Club "La Reunion."

QUITO. 12/03/2008 PARA ULTIMAS NOTICIAS
GRAFICAS DEL INVIERNO EN EL SUR DE QUITO
FOTO. JULIO ESTRELLA

QUITO, 12/03/2008
PARA QUITO
FOTOS DE LOS CERROS Y MONTAÑAS QUE RODEAN A QUITO CON NIEVE Y DEL CLIMA EN GENERAL, EN LA FOTO LA MONTAÑA NEVADA QUE ESTA AL SUR ORIENTE DE LA CIUDAD DESDE SAN JUAN.
FOTO CESAR MOREJON

QUITO, 12/03/2008
PARA QUITO
FOTOS DE LOS CERROS Y MONTAÑAS QUE RODEAN A QUITO CON NIEVE Y DEL CLIMA EN GENERAL, EN LA FOTO LA CORDILLERA ORIENTAL DE LA CIUDAD.
FOTO CESAR MOREJON

QUITO. 12/03/2008 PARA ULTIMAS NOTICIAS
GRAFICAS DEL INVIERNO EN EL SUR DE QUITO
FOTO. JULIO ESTRELLA

QUITO. 12/03/2008 PARA ULTIMAS NOTICIAS GRAFICAS DEL INVIERNO EN EL SUR DE QUITO FOTO. JULIO ESTRELLA

QUITO. 12/03/2008 PARA ULTIMAS NOTICIAS
GRAFICAS DEL INVIERNO EN EL SUR DE QUITO FOTO. JULIO ESTRELLA

From left: Ernst Wellisch, Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos), Else Wellisch (nee Deller), and John Koppel -- 1962, Playas

From left: Else Wellisch (nee Deller), John Koppel, Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos), Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos) and Gerda Sifnaghel (nee Gumpel) -- 1962, Hotel Humboldt, Playas

Peter Albers Bar Mitzvah party (from left: Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos), Else Wellisch (nee Deller), ??, Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos), John Koppel, ??, ?? -- 1963, Guayaquil

Peggy has very vivid memories of our great-grandmother, Amalie Koppel (nee Heilbuth). She was moved to tears as she recalled her memories with Oma Malchen, as we called her.

My sister, Peggy Ratner (nee Grunewald) has very vivid memories of our great-grandmother, Amalie Koppel (nee Heilbuth), who is buried here in Guayquil. Peggy was moved to tears as she recalled her memories of Oma Malchen, as we called her.

My sister, Peggy Ratner (nee Grunewald) has very vivid memories of our great-grandmother, Amalie Koppel (nee Heilbuth), who is buried here in Guayquil. Peggy was moved to tears as she recalled her memories of Oma Malchen, as we called her.

My sister, Peggy Ratner (nee Grunewald) has very vivid memories of our great-grandmother, Amalie Koppel (nee Heilbuth), who is buried here in Guayquil. Peggy was moved to tears as she recalled her memories of Oma Malchen, as we called her.

Peggy has very vivid memories of our great-grandmother, Amalie Koppel (nee Heilbuth). She was moved to tears as she recalled her memories of Oma Malchen, as we called her.

Amalie (Oma Malchen) Koppel (nee Heilbuth): April 5, 1871 (Hamburg) - November 28, 1959 (Guayaquil) This is the grave of my grandfather's mother, Amalie Koppel (nee Heilbuth). She survived the Holocaust by living in the open in Brussels (she had Aryan features), but she lost 4 of her 6 children in the Nazi killing centers, as well as many of her grandchildren. I have faint memories of her, since she died when I was 3 years old, in Guayaquil. My older siblings remember her well and fondly. The grave of her husband, Max Koppel, is in Hamburg. He died before the Holocaust; I have visited his grave, too.

Amalie (Oma Malchen) Koppel (nee Heilbuth): April 5, 1871 (Hamburg) - November 28, 1959 (Guayaquil) This is the grave of my grandfather's mother, Amalie Koppel (nee Heilbuth). She survived the Holocaust by living in the open in Brussels (she had Aryan features), but she lost 4 of her 6 children in the Nazi killing centers, as well as many of her grandchildren. I have faint memories of her, since she died when I was 3 years old, in Guayaquil. My older siblings remember her well and fondly. The grave of her husband, Max Koppel, is in Hamburg. He died before the Holocaust; I have visited his grave, too.

This is the grave of my grandfather's mother, Amalie Koppel (nee Heilbuth). She survived the Holocaust by living in the open in Brussels (she had Aryan features), but she lost 4 of her 6 children in the Nazi killing centers, as well as many of her grandchildren. I have faint memories of her, since she died when I was 3 years old, in Guayaquil. My older siblings remember her well and fondly. The grave of her husband, Max Koppel, is in Hamburg. He died before the Holocaust; I have visited his grave, too.

The grave of my grandfather's mother, Amalie Koppel (nee Heilbuth). She survived the Holocaust by living in the open in Brussels (she had Aryan features), but she lost 4 of her 6 children in the Nazi killing centers, as well as many of her grandchildren. I have faint memories of her, since she died when I was 3 years old, in Guayaquil. My older siblings remember her well and fondly. The grave of her husband, Max Koppel, is in Hamburg. He died before the Holocaust; I have visited his grave, too.

This is the grave of my grandfather's mother, Amalie Koppel (nee Heilbuth). She survived the Holocaust by living in the open in Brussels (she had Aryan features), but she lost 4 of her 6 children in the Nazi killing centers, as well as many of her grandchildren. I have faint memories of her, since she died when I was 3 years old, in Guayaquil. My older siblings remember her well and fondly. The grave of her husband, Max Koppel, is in Hamburg. He died before the Holocaust; I have visited his grave, too.

Johnny Czarninski leads a prayer over the grave of Manea Sifnaghel, father of Katja Lindenberg and Niko Shefer, my cousins who are with us on this trip.

Johnny Czarninski leads a prayer over the grave of Manea Sifnaghel, father of Katja Lindenberg and Niko Shefer, my cousins who are with us on this trip.

At the grave of Manea Sifnaghel, father of Katja Lindenberg and Niko Shefer, my cousins who are with us on this trip.

At the grave of Manea Sifnaghel, father of Katja Lindenberg and Niko Shefer, my cousins who are with us on this trip.

At the grave of Manea Sifnaghel, father of Katja Lindenberg and Niko Shefer, my cousins who are with us on this trip.

At the grave of Manea Sifnaghel, father of Katja Lindenberg and Niko Shefer, my cousins who are with us on this trip.

At the grave of Manea Sifnaghel, father of Katja Lindenberg and Niko Shefer, my cousins who are with us on this trip.

At the grave of Manea Sifnaghel, father of Katja Lindenberg and Niko Shefer, my cousins who are with us on this trip.

At the grave of Manea Sifnaghel, father of Katja Lindenberg and Niko Shefer, my cousins who are with us on this trip.

Riza Partos (nee Weiszmayer): February 4, 1871 (Budapest) - December 23, 1950 (Guayaquil) This is the grave of Riza Partos (nee Weiszmayer), my great-grandmother, and mother of my grandmother, Magda Koppel (nee Partos). What is amazing is that Riza is the common ancestor of all the children and grandchildren of me, my siblings, and my cousins Niko and Katja (as well as our cousins who couldn't join us on this trip: Jerry Gumpel, Lynn Green, Tom Koppel, Jeanny Davidow, and Steven Koppel). Of all her descendants, 16 of us visited Riza's grave today. Her husband, Bela Partos, who died before the Holocaust, is buried in Hamburg; I have visited his grave, too. December 2010

Riza Partos (nee Weiszmayer): February 4, 1871 (Budapest) - December 23, 1950 (Guayaquil) This is the grave of Riza Partos (nee Weiszmayer), my great-grandmother, and mother of my grandmother, Magda Koppel (nee Partos). What is amazing is that Riza is the common ancestor of all the children and grandchildren of me, my siblings, and my cousins Niko and Katja (as well as our cousins who couldn't join us on this trip: Jerry Gumpel, Lynn Green, Tom Koppel, Jeanny Davidow, and Steven Koppel). Of all her descendants, 16 of us visited Riza's grave today. Her husband, Bela Partos, who died before the Holocaust, is buried in Hamburg; I have visited his grave, too. December 2010

This is the grave of Riza Partos (nee Weiszmayer), my great-grandmother, and mother of my grandmother, Magda Koppel (nee Partos). What is amazing is that Riza is the common ancestor of all the children and grandchildren of me, my siblings, and my cousins Niko and Katja (as well as our cousins who couldn't join us on this trip: Jerry Gumpel, Lynn Green, Tom Koppel, Jeanny Davidow, and Steven Koppel). Of all her descendants, 16 of us visited Riza's grave today. Her husband, Bela Partos, who died before the Holocaust, is buried in Hamburg; I have visited his grave, too.

This is the grave of Riza Partos (nee Weiszmayer), my great-grandmother, and mother of my grandmother, Magda Koppel (nee Partos). What is amazing is that Riza is the common ancestor of all the children and grandchildren of me, my siblings, and my cousins Niko and Katja (as well as our cousins who couldn't join us on this trip: Jerry Gumpel, Lynn Green, Tom Koppel, Jeanny Davidow, and Steven Koppel). Of all her descendants, 16 of us visited Riza's grave today. Her husband, Bela Partos, who died before the Holocaust, is buried in Hamburg; I have visited his grave, too.

This is the grave of Riza Partos (nee Weiszmayer), my great-grandmother, and mother of my grandmother, Magda Koppel (nee Partos). What is amazing is that Riza is the common ancestor of all the children and grandchildren of me, my siblings, and my cousins Niko and Katja (as well as our cousins who couldn't join us on this trip: Jerry Gumpel, Lynn Green, Tom Koppel, Jeanny Davidow, and Steven Koppel). Of all her descendants, 16 of us visited Riza's grave today. Her husband, Bela Partos, who died before the Holocaust, is buried in Hamburg; I have visited his grave, too.

Riza Partos (nee Weiszmayer): February 4, 1871 (Budapest) - December 23, 1950 (Guayaquil) This is the grave of Riza Partos (nee Weiszmayer), my great-grandmother, and mother of my grandmother, Magda Koppel (nee Partos). What is amazing is that Riza is the common ancestor of all the children and grandchildren of me, my siblings, and my cousins Niko and Katja (as well as our cousins who couldn't join us on this trip: Jerry Gumpel, Lynn Green, Tom Koppel, Jeanny Davidow, and Steven Koppel). Of all her descendants, 16 of us visited Riza's grave today. Her husband, Bela Partos, who died before the Holocaust, is buried in Hamburg; I have visited his grave, too. December 2010

Orit Shefer-Prahm is a 5th generation descendant of Riza Partos (whom we called Oma Riza), and Morgan, her daughter, is a 6th generation descendant.

Riza Partos (nee Weiszmayer): February 4, 1871 (Budapest) - December 23, 1950 (Guayaquil) This is the grave of Riza Partos (nee Weiszmayer), my great-grandmother, and mother of my grandmother, Magda Koppel (nee Partos). What is amazing is that Riza is the common ancestor of all the children and grandchildren of me, my siblings, and my cousins Niko and Katja (as well as our cousins who couldn't join us on this trip: Jerry Gumpel, Lynn Green, Tom Koppel, Jeanny Davidow, and Steven Koppel). Of all her descendants, 16 of us visited Riza's grave today. Her husband, Bela Partos, who died before the Holocaust, is buried in Hamburg; I have visited his grave, too. December 2010

Overlooking the grave of Manea Sifnaghel, father of Katja Lindenberg and Niko Shefer, my cousins who are with us on this trip.

From left: Ernst and Else Wellisch (nee Deller) and John and Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos) -- 1962, Playas

Ilse Grunewald (nee Koppel) Collection: Playas -- February 1948, with her husband, Heinz Grunewald and her parents, John and Magda (nee Partos) Koppel.

From left: Ernst Wellisch, Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos), Else Wellisch (nee Deller), and John Koppel -- 1962, Playas

From left: Niko Sifnaghel, Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos), Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos) & John Koppel -- November 1962, Hotel Humboldt, Playas

From left: Else Wellisch (nee Deller), John Koppel, Magda (Moschi) Koppel (nee Partos), Elisabeth (Lieschen) Gumpel (nee Partos) and Gerda Sifnaghel (nee Gumpel) -- 1962, Hotel Humboldt, Playas

These are former homes of some of the Jewish families of Guayaquil who owned homes in Playas, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil, on the Pacific Ocean.

These are former homes of some of the Jewish families of Guayaquil who owned homes in Playas, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil, on the Pacific Ocean.

These are former homes of some of the Jewish families of Guayaquil who owned homes in Playas, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil, on the Pacific Ocean.

These are former homes of some of the Jewish families of Guayaquil who owned homes in Playas, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil, on the Pacific Ocean.

These are former homes of some of the Jewish families of Guayaquil who owned homes in Playas, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil, on the Pacific Ocean.

This is one of the few remnants of the Hotel Humboldt that was located in Playas, about 90 minutes outside Guayaquil, on the Pacific Ocean. Virtually every Jewish family in Guayaquil would come to Playas in the hot summer months, and most stayed at the Humboldt. The xxxxxx cement walls surrounding the hotel are imbedded in our memories and appear in many, many vintage photos (many can be seen on the Jews of Ecuador Web site: http://sites.google.com/site/jewsofecuador/). I know it sounds a little strange, but all the JOEs who stayed at the Humboldt were very moved when we saw these remains of the hotel that brings back so many wonderful memories.

This is one of the few remnants of the Hotel Humboldt that was located in Playas, about 90 minutes outside Guayaquil, on the Pacific Ocean. Virtually every Jewish family in Guayaquil would come to Playas in the hot summer months, and most stayed at the Humboldt. The xxxxxx cement walls surrounding the hotel are imbedded in our memories and appear in many, many vintage photos (many can be seen on the Jews of Ecuador Web site: http://sites.google.com/site/jewsofecuador/). I know it sounds a little strange, but all the JOEs who stayed at the Humboldt were very moved when we saw these remains of the hotel that brings back so many wonderful memories.

This is one of the few remnants of the Hotel Humboldt that was located in Playas, about 90 minutes outside Guayaquil, on the Pacific Ocean. Virtually every Jewish family in Guayaquil would come to Playas in the hot summer months, and most stayed at the Humboldt. The xxxxxx cement walls surrounding the hotel are imbedded in our memories and appear in many, many vintage photos (many can be seen on the Jews of Ecuador Web site: http://sites.google.com/site/jewsofecuador/). I know it sounds a little strange, but all the JOEs who stayed at the Humboldt were very moved when we saw these remains of the hotel that brings back so many wonderful memories.

This is one of the few remnants of the Hotel Humboldt that was located in Playas, about 90 minutes outside Guayaquil, on the Pacific Ocean. Virtually every Jewish family in Guayaquil would come to Playas in the hot summer months, and most stayed at the Humboldt. The xxxxxx cement walls surrounding the hotel are imbedded in our memories and appear in many, many vintage photos (many can be seen on the Jews of Ecuador Web site: http://sites.google.com/site/jewsofecuador/). I know it sounds a little strange, but all the JOEs who stayed at the Humboldt were very moved when we saw these remains of the hotel that brings back so many wonderful memories.

This is one of the few remnants of the Hotel Humboldt that was located in Playas, about 90 minutes outside Guayaquil, on the Pacific Ocean. Virtually every Jewish family in Guayaquil would come to Playas in the hot summer months, and most stayed at the Humboldt. The xxxxxx cement walls surrounding the hotel are imbedded in our memories and appear in many, many vintage photos (many can be seen on the Jews of Ecuador Web site: http://sites.google.com/site/jewsofecuador/). I know it sounds a little strange, but all the JOEs who stayed at the Humboldt were very moved when we saw these remains of the hotel that brings back so many wonderful memories.

The beach of Playas, where we all endlessly played in the sand, right beyond the site of the former and beloved Hotel Humboldt.

The beach of Playas, where we all endlessly played in the sand, right beyond the site of the former and beloved Hotel Humboldt.

This was another hotel that many Jewish families stayed in when visiting Playas. There was no paved road when we visited the resort in our youth.

This was another hotel that many Jewish families stayed in when visiting Playas. There was no paved road when we visited the resort in our youth.

This was another hotel that many Jewish families stayed in when visiting Playas. There was no paved road when we visited the resort in our youth.

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

This is one of the few remnants of the Hotel Humboldt that was located in Playas, about 90 minutes outside Guayaquil, on the Pacific Ocean. Virtually every Jewish family in Guayaquil would come to Playas in the hot summer months, and most stayed at the Humboldt. The xxxxxx cement walls surrounding the hotel are imbedded in our memories and appear in many, many vintage photos (many can be seen on the Jews of Ecuador Web site: http://sites.google.com/site/jewsofecuador/). I know it sounds a little strange, but all the JOEs who stayed at the Humboldt were very moved when we saw these remains of the hotel that brings back so many wonderful memories.

This is one of the few remnants of the Hotel Humboldt that was located in Playas, about 90 minutes outside Guayaquil, on the Pacific Ocean. Virtually every Jewish family in Guayaquil would come to Playas in the hot summer months, and most stayed at the Humboldt. The xxxxxx cement walls surrounding the hotel are imbedded in our memories and appear in many, many vintage photos (many can be seen on the Jews of Ecuador Web site: http://sites.google.com/site/jewsofecuador/). I know it sounds a little strange, but all the JOEs who stayed at the Humboldt were very moved when we saw these remains of the hotel that brings back so many wonderful memories.

This is one of the few remnants of the Hotel Humboldt that was located in Playas, about 90 minutes outside Guayaquil, on the Pacific Ocean. Virtually every Jewish family in Guayaquil would come to Playas in the hot summer months, and most stayed at the Humboldt. The xxxxxx cement walls surrounding the hotel are imbedded in our memories and appear in many, many vintage photos (many can be seen on the Jews of Ecuador Web site: http://sites.google.com/site/jewsofecuador/). I know it sounds a little strange, but all the JOEs who stayed at the Humboldt were very moved when we saw these remains of the hotel that brings back so many wonderful memories.

This is one of the few remnants of the Hotel Humboldt that was located in Playas, about 90 minutes outside Guayaquil, on the Pacific Ocean. Virtually every Jewish family in Guayaquil would come to Playas in the hot summer months, and most stayed at the Humboldt. The xxxxxx cement walls surrounding the hotel are imbedded in our memories and appear in many, many vintage photos (many can be seen on the Jews of Ecuador Web site: http://sites.google.com/site/jewsofecuador/). I know it sounds a little strange, but all the JOEs who stayed at the Humboldt were very moved when we saw these remains of the hotel that brings back so many wonderful memories.

This is one of the few remnants of the Hotel Humboldt that was located in Playas, about 90 minutes outside Guayaquil, on the Pacific Ocean. Virtually every Jewish family in Guayaquil would come to Playas in the hot summer months, and most stayed at the Humboldt. The xxxxxx cement walls surrounding the hotel are imbedded in our memories and appear in many, many vintage photos (many can be seen on the Jews of Ecuador Web site: http://sites.google.com/site/jewsofecuador/). I know it sounds a little strange, but all the JOEs who stayed at the Humboldt were very moved when we saw these remains of the hotel that brings back so many wonderful memories.

This is one of the few remnants of the Hotel Humboldt that was located in Playas, about 90 minutes outside Guayaquil, on the Pacific Ocean. Virtually every Jewish family in Guayaquil would come to Playas in the hot summer months, and most stayed at the Humboldt. The xxxxxx cement walls surrounding the hotel are imbedded in our memories and appear in many, many vintage photos (many can be seen on the Jews of Ecuador Web site: http://sites.google.com/site/jewsofecuador/). I know it sounds a little strange, but all the JOEs who stayed at the Humboldt were very moved when we saw these remains of the hotel that brings back so many wonderful memories.

This is one of the few remnants of the Hotel Humboldt that was located in Playas, about 90 minutes outside Guayaquil, on the Pacific Ocean. Virtually every Jewish family in Guayaquil would come to Playas in the hot summer months, and most stayed at the Humboldt. The xxxxxx cement walls surrounding the hotel are imbedded in our memories and appear in many, many vintage photos (many can be seen on the Jews of Ecuador Web site: http://sites.google.com/site/jewsofecuador/). I know it sounds a little strange, but all the JOEs who stayed at the Humboldt were very moved when we saw these remains of the hotel that brings back so many wonderful memories.

This is one of the few remnants of the Hotel Humboldt that was located in Playas, about 90 minutes outside Guayaquil, on the Pacific Ocean. Virtually every Jewish family in Guayaquil would come to Playas in the hot summer months, and most stayed at the Humboldt. The xxxxxx cement walls surrounding the hotel are imbedded in our memories and appear in many, many vintage photos (many can be seen on the Jews of Ecuador Web site: http://sites.google.com/site/jewsofecuador/). I know it sounds a little strange, but all the JOEs who stayed at the Humboldt were very moved when we saw these remains of the hotel that brings back so many wonderful memories.

The beach of Playas, where we all endlessly played in the sand, right beyond the site of the former and beloved Hotel Humboldt.

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).

After visiting the site of the old (and now torn-down) Hotel Humboldt, in Playas -- which brought back many wonderful memories -- our host, Johnny Czarninski, treated us to an afternoon at the Ocean Club Hotel & Resort, a world-class facility on the Pacific Ocean, about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. It was a warm and memorable day thay included a delicious lunch, massages, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ping-pong, dips in the hot tubs, and plenty of drinks (the Cuba Libre and Pina Coladas were my favorites).
![From Cati Holland (Nee Cohn): This photograph was taken with the back to the "two men shaking hands". To the right you can see the premises of the Centro Israelita, the lower building. Next to it was a bank that doesn't exist now. [Katja Lindenberg (nee Sifnaghel) subsequently added: Too small to see on my blackberry, but the description exactly fits the statue of Bolivar and San Martin at the Malecon. The statue is still there, as is the building of the old Centro Israelita (at least as of last May, 2009)]. [ Fred Grunewald added: And there was an animal statue that we dubbed El Burrochancho]](https://jewsofecuador.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/nueve-1.jpg)
From Cati Holland (Nee Cohn): This photograph was taken with the back to the "two men shaking hands". To the right you can see the premises of the Centro Israelita, the lower building. Next to it was a bank that doesn't exist now. [Katja Lindenberg (nee Sifnaghel) subsequently added: Too small to see on my blackberry, but the description exactly fits the statue of Bolivar and San Martin at the Malecon. The statue is still there, as is the building of the old Centro Israelita (at least as of last May, 2009)]. [ Fred Grunewald added: And there was an animal statue that we dubbed El Burrochancho]

From Cati Holland (nee Cohn): I sent this postcard to my sister, Eveline (she was in Chile attending university) on May 11, 1947, so she "won't forget". The postcard shows the Post Office to the right, and opposite, the house we lived in, on Chile y Aguirre. When I visited Guayaquil in 1993, I realised that this building had been torn down, and another higher one was
built instead.

From Cati Holland (nee Cohn): These two cards were sent by Gertrud Janowitzer to my grandmother, Recha, to Chile. She used to sit with Mrs. Janowitzer in a cafe on Luque street, if I remember correctly. Mrs. Janowitzer made hairnets, and used to dye them in her tea!!!!!

The building where the old "El Club" -- the Guayaquil Jewish community building -- was located happens to be a historic building, located at one time where Nueve de Octubre meets the Malecon (and now the site of the Bankers Club building). In its earlier years, the buidling housed the American Consulate. When the Jewish community occupied it (from the mid-1940s until the late 1950s), it was already fairly run-down. The community rented-out the portions facing the Malecon and the Guayas River in order to bring in needed revenue. In time, the buidling was movede to itsd current locstion, in the Parque Historico. Many of the JOEs on our trip remember this building very fondly -- as well as all the events that took place here: religious services, game nights, theater, Jewish holiday celebrations, birthday parties, etc. It's wonderful that the building has been renovated and preserved.

The building where the old "El Club" -- the Guayaquil Jewish community building -- was located happens to be a historic building, located at one time where Nueve de Octubre meets the Malecon (and now the site of the Bankers Club building). In its earlier years, the buidling housed the American Consulate. When the Jewish community occupied it (from the mid-1940s until the late 1950s), it was already fairly run-down. The community rented-out the portions facing the Malecon and the Guayas River in order to bring in needed revenue. In time, the buidling was movede to itsd current locstion, in the Parque Historico. Many of the JOEs on our trip remember this building very fondly -- as well as all the events that took place here: religious services, game nights, theater, Jewish holiday celebrations, birthday parties, etc. It's wonderful that the building has been renovated and preserved.

The building where the old "El Club" -- the Guayaquil Jewish community building -- was located happens to be a historic building, located at one time where Nueve de Octubre meets the Malecon (and now the site of the Bankers Club building). In its earlier years, the buidling housed the American Consulate. When the Jewish community occupied it (from the mid-1940s until the late 1950s), it was already fairly run-down. The community rented-out the portions facing the Malecon and the Guayas River in order to bring in needed revenue. In time, the buidling was movede to itsd current locstion, in the Parque Historico. Many of the JOEs on our trip remember this building very fondly -- as well as all the events that took place here: religious services, game nights, theater, Jewish holiday celebrations, birthday parties, etc. It's wonderful that the building has been renovated and preserved.

The building where the old "El Club" -- the Guayaquil Jewish community building -- was located happens to be a historic building, located at one time where Nueve de Octubre meets the Malecon (and now the site of the Bankers Club building). In its earlier years, the buidling housed the American Consulate. When the Jewish community occupied it (from the mid-1940s until the late 1950s), it was already fairly run-down. The community rented-out the portions facing the Malecon and the Guayas River in order to bring in needed revenue. In time, the buidling was movede to itsd current locstion, in the Parque Historico. Many of the JOEs on our trip remember this building very fondly -- as well as all the events that took place here: religious services, game nights, theater, Jewish holiday celebrations, birthday parties, etc. It's wonderful that the building has been renovated and preserved.

The building where the old "El Club" -- the Guayaquil Jewish community building -- was located happens to be a historic building, located at one time where Nueve de Octubre meets the Malecon (and now the site of the Bankers Club building). In its earlier years, the buidling housed the American Consulate. When the Jewish community occupied it (from the mid-1940s until the late 1950s), it was already fairly run-down. The community rented-out the portions facing the Malecon and the Guayas River in order to bring in needed revenue. In time, the buidling was movede to itsd current locstion, in the Parque Historico. Many of the JOEs on our trip remember this building very fondly -- as well as all the events that took place here: religious services, game nights, theater, Jewish holiday celebrations, birthday parties, etc. It's wonderful that the building has been renovated and preserved.

The building where the old "El Club" -- the Guayaquil Jewish community building -- was located happens to be a historic building, located at one time where Nueve de Octubre meets the Malecon (and now the site of the Bankers Club building). In its earlier years, the buidling housed the American Consulate. When the Jewish community occupied it (from the mid-1940s until the late 1950s), it was already fairly run-down. The community rented-out the portions facing the Malecon and the Guayas River in order to bring in needed revenue. In time, the buidling was movede to itsd current locstion, in the Parque Historico. Many of the JOEs on our trip remember this building very fondly -- as well as all the events that took place here: religious services, game nights, theater, Jewish holiday celebrations, birthday parties, etc. It's wonderful that the building has been renovated and preserved.

We entered the old "El Club" buidling (it was a hot day) and were immediatekly served delicious drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. What a treat!

The building where the old "El Club" -- the Guayaquil Jewish community building -- was located happens to be a historic building, located at one time where Nueve de Octubre meets the Malecon (and now the site of the Bankers Club building). In its earlier years, the buidling housed the American Consulate. When the Jewish community occupied it (from the mid-1940s until the late 1950s), it was already fairly run-down. The community rented-out the portions facing the Malecon and the Guayas River in order to bring in needed revenue. In time, the buidling was movede to itsd current locstion, in the Parque Historico. Many of the JOEs on our trip remember this building very fondly -- as well as all the events that took place here: religious services, game nights, theater, Jewish holiday celebrations, birthday parties, etc. It's wonderful that the building has been renovated and preserved.

The building where the old "El Club" -- the Guayaquil Jewish community building -- was located happens to be a historic building, located at one time where Nueve de Octubre meets the Malecon (and now the site of the Bankers Club building). In its earlier years, the buidling housed the American Consulate. When the Jewish community occupied it (from the mid-1940s until the late 1950s), it was already fairly run-down. The community rented-out the portions facing the Malecon and the Guayas River in order to bring in needed revenue. In time, the buidling was movede to itsd current locstion, in the Parque Historico. Many of the JOEs on our trip remember this building very fondly -- as well as all the events that took place here: religious services, game nights, theater, Jewish holiday celebrations, birthday parties, etc. It's wonderful that the building has been renovated and preserved.

We entered the old "El Club" buidling (it was a hot day) and were immediatekly served delicious drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. What a treat!

We entered the old "El Club" buidling (it was a hot day) and were immediatekly served delicious drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. What a treat!

We were treated to a sweet performance of a young man and young woman in period costume, who engaged us in a skit that relived old days in this historic building. The actors weer very charming.

This is Lorraine Pinto, the personal assistant for Johnny Czarninski. She was a huge help in organizing the Reunio of the Jews of Ecuador (JOEs).

We were treated to a sweet performance of a young man and young woman in period costume, who engaged us in a skit that relived old days in this historic building. The actors weer very charming.

We were treated to a sweet performance of a young man and young woman in period costume, who engaged us in a skit that relived old days in this historic building. The actors weer very charming.

We were treated to a sweet performance of a young man and young woman in period costume, who engaged us in a skit that relived old days in this historic building. The actors weer very charming.

We were treated to a sweet performance of a young man and young woman in period costume, who engaged us in a skit that relived old days in this historic building. The actors weer very charming.

On top of the stairs, Niko and Fred reminisce about this smallish area in which the small children (them!) were kept, while the parents used the rest of the space. They also remember the glass-tiled floor of that kids' area, which serve as a skylight for the rooms below, where we had just had our drinks and watched the performance.

On top of the stairs, Niko and Fred reminisce about this smallish area in which the small children (them!) were kept, while the parents used the rest of the space. They also remember the glass-tiled floor of that kids' area, which serve as a skylight for the rooms below, where we had just had our drinks and watched the performance.

Inside the old "El Club"" -- though the Jewish community only leased part of the space and sub-let the front of the building facing the Malecaon to another group in order to bring-in needed revenue. This area was the site of our incredible lunch.

Inside the old "El Club"" -- though the Jewish community only leased part of the space and sub-let the front of the building facing the Malecaon to another group in order to bring-in needed revenue. This area was the site of our incredible lunch.

View of the area that, at one time, housed "El Club" -- the Jewish community's club and gathering place. It was a central and very important part of the life of the Jewish community in Guayaquil.

Inside the old "El Club"" -- though the Jewish community only leased the space on the right side; the front of the building was sub-leased to another group in order to bring-in needed revenue. This area was the site of our incredible lunch.

In the far-left corner, at the back of the room, there was a small stage, where a number of events were presented in "El Club." My parents, for example, took part in amateur plays for the Jewish community on that platform, and the stage was also used for childrens' programs.

On top of the stairs, Niko and Fred reminisce about this smallish area in which the small children (them!) were kept, while the parents used the rest of the space. They also remember the glass-tiled floor of that kids' area, which serve as a skylight for the rooms below, where we had just had our drinks and watched the performance.

KKL 2 1. ruth czarninski miriam alexander, alfredo czarninski, lotte rosenberg_ 2. gabriel, alex, mi